U.S. patent number 8,777,693 [Application Number 13/089,691] was granted by the patent office on 2014-07-15 for compression support bra.
The grantee listed for this patent is Mary Helen Shashy. Invention is credited to Mary Helen Shashy.
United States Patent |
8,777,693 |
Shashy |
July 15, 2014 |
Compression support bra
Abstract
A bra for compression stabilizing the breast mass against motion
relative to the torso includes a closed cell foam layer having a
front, back, sides, and shoulder straps in a pattern to
approximately match the contours of a female user's torso. A first
fabric layer adjacent to the inner surface of the cell foam layer
adjacent to the user's skin, substantially matching the pattern of
the closed cell foam fabric layer, provides moisture wicking and
comfort. A portion of the closed cell foam fabric layer extends
below the breast line and encircles the torso to add motion
stabilizing support to the breasts.
Inventors: |
Shashy; Mary Helen (Costa Mesa,
CA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Shashy; Mary Helen |
Costa Mesa |
CA |
US |
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Family
ID: |
44902236 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/089,691 |
Filed: |
April 19, 2011 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20110275276 A1 |
Nov 10, 2011 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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12773610 |
May 4, 2010 |
8465341 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
450/66;
450/65 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41C
3/0057 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A41C
3/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;450/36,54-58,38,39,65,66,68,74-76,79,82,70 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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1084632 |
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Mar 2001 |
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EP |
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2864429 |
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Jul 2005 |
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FR |
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Primary Examiner: Hale; Gloria
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Feldman Gale, P.A. Wood; Gregory
B.
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This Application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. application Ser.
No. 12/773,610, filed May 4, 2010.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A bra to provide downward compressive stabilizing support to the
breasts during movement and/or to counter gravity stress
comprising: a resiliently deformable first fabric layer extending
around and approximately matching the contours of the torso of a
user for applying downward compressive force around the
circumference of the user's torso, the first fabric layer having a
front, back, and sides with a bottom edge, the back having a back
edge remote from the bottom edge; a band attached to the bottom
edge of the first fabric layer and extending below the breasts and
encircling the torso for extending the contact area over which
downward compressive force is applied to the user; and a zipper
device positioned at the back of the first fabric layer and
closeable downwardly from the back edge toward the band along at
least a portion of the bra for urging the front of the first fabric
layer inwardly and downwardly against the breasts of the user as
the zipper device is closed downwardly from the back edge toward
the band to thereby compress said user's breasts downwardly to
counter movement thereof.
2. The bra of claim 1 further comprising: a second fabric layer
adjacent to an inner surface of the first fabric layer, the second
fabric layer being adjacent to the user's skin.
3. The bra of claim 1, further comprising: a third fabric layer
adjacent to an outer surface of the first fabric layer and covering
the first fabric layer.
4. The bra of claim 1, wherein the first fabric layer is a single
piece of material comprising: a cut-out top hole in the material
for placement of the bra over the user's head to rest on the user's
shoulders and forming the shoulder straps; a pair of left and right
cut-out arm holes in the material for placement of each of the
user's arms there through; and a rearward edge of the shoulder
straps sewn to a top edge of the back.
5. The bra of claim 1, wherein the zipper device extends part way
up from the band at the back of the bra.
6. The bra of claim 1, wherein the zipper device is positioned at
one or more locations including the back, the front and the
sides.
7. The bra of claim 1, further comprising: an extension attached to
the slider to assist in manipulating the zipper for opening and
closing.
8. The bra of claim 1, wherein the first fabric layer is closed
cell foam.
9. The bra of claim 1 wherein the first fabric layer further
comprises: a plurality of fabric segments arranged and sewn
together, the sewn fabric segments arranged to provide a top hole
in the fabric for placement of the bra over the user's head to rest
on the user's shoulders and forming the shoulder straps; and a pair
of left and right arm holes in the fabric for placement of each of
the user's arms there through; and a rearward edge of the shoulder
straps sewn to a top edge of the back.
10. The bra of claim 9 wherein the plurality of fabric segments are
made of the same fabric.
11. The bra of claim 8, wherein the closed cell foam is
neoprene.
12. The bra of claim 1, the first fabric being selected to have an
elasticity to provide sufficient compression support to the user's
breasts to stabilize them against motion relative to the torso
during physical activity.
13. The bra of claim 2, wherein the second fabric is at least one
of nylon, spandex and cotton, and blends of nylon, spandex and
cotton.
14. The bra of claim 3, wherein the third fabric is at least one of
nylon, spandex and cotton, and blends of nylon, spandex and
cotton.
15. The bra of claim 1, wherein the bra is sized so that the
circumference of the bra is substantially the same as the
circumference of the user as measured around the user's bustline
with the breasts circumferentially compressed to a user selected
compression.
16. The bra of claim 1, further comprising a contoured shape formed
at the sides, rear or shoulders of the bra by darting and selective
cut-outs of the first fabric layer that are joined together at the
cut-out edges.
17. The bra of claim 1, further comprising a hammock area in the
front above the band.
18. A bra to provide downward compressive stabilizing support to
the breasts during movement and/or to counter gravity stress
comprising: a resiliently deformable first fabric layer extending
around and approximately matching the contours of the torso of a
user, the first fabric layer having a front, back, and sides with a
bottom edge the back having a back edge remote from the bottom
edge; a band attached to the bottom edge of the first fabric layer
and extending below the breasts and encircling the torso for
extending the contact area over which downward compressive force is
applied to the user; a hammock area in the front of the first
fabric layer adjacent the band; and a zipper device positioned at
the back of the first fabric layer and closeable downwardly from
the back edge toward the band along at least a portion of the bra
for urging the front of the first fabric layer inwardly and
downwardly against the breasts of the user as the zipper device is
closed downwardly toward the band.
19. A bra to provide compression and stabilizing support to the
breasts of a user during movement comprising: a front section, a
back section with a back edge and having a zipper device along a
vertical linear location extending downwardly from the back edge,
two side sections between and joining the front section and the
back sections to define an enclosed section around the user's
torso, and two shoulder straps, each between the front and back
sections for extending over the user's shoulders; at least the
front being made from a first fabric layer for applying compression
to flatten the breast tissue for suppressing breast movement during
exercise, and a band joined with the front, back, and two sides for
encircling the torso below the user's breasts.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention generally relates to women's apparel. More
specifically, the present invention is drawn to a bra for providing
compression support to stabilize the breast mass relative to the
torso, which is particularly advantageous during physical activity,
and/or to counter the strain effect of gravity.
BACKGROUND
The breast area has a mobile center of gravity that is offset
relative to the upper torso as a whole. The breast may be regarded
as a weighted appendage that the body compensates for by adjusting
posture and movement to prevent injury. During physical activity,
trauma ("injury") to the breast, such as strained tissue or muscle,
may occur during abrupt vertical and horizontal motion, such as
during jumping or running. The trauma may be temporary (e.g.,
soreness), or chronic (e.g., permanent damage to breast tissue).
Even when a user is not engaged in activity, gravity is capable of
causing strain damage, especially if the breasts are large.
Therefore, a bra adapted to provide breast stabilization support,
whether during physical activity, or due solely to the effects of
gravity, is beneficial.
Implants may lead to greater risk of trauma during physical
activity. Implants (in particular silicone implants) may be denser
than natural breast tissue and therefore heavier, which can place
strain on the skin and breast matter surrounding the implant.
Implants are also foreign objects having some mobility, placed
either above or underneath the pectoral muscle. Because implants
commonly have a structural resiliency greater than human breast
tissue, implants can cause a faster breakdown in surrounding breast
tissue (e.g., muscles, skin, fat, ligaments, tendons). Therefore,
supporting and stabilizing the implants and surrounding tissue
against the strain of motion relative to the torso is
beneficial.
SUMMARY
Disclosed is a bra, worn to provide stabilizing support during
physical activity, such as while engaging in sports, by addressing
the breast mass from the point of view of weight management in
relation to the torso. The disclosed bra effectively supports the
breast area by compression with the torso to make them effectively
a single structural entity, thereby eliminating or reducing breast
mobility relative to the torso that can result in discomfort and/or
trauma.
The bra is made using a first material layer selected to provide
strength for firm, uniform stabilizing support during physical
exertion while allowing localized expansion or deformation to
conform to localized body shape variations. When worn, the
stretchable nature of the fabric exerts an inwardly and downwardly
directed compressive force around the circumference of the user's
torso while at the same time allowing for localized deformations to
conform to localized body shape variations. Suitable fabrics for
the first material layer include cellular foam fabrics, closed cell
foam, and stretchable Lycra.RTM. type fabrics or combinations of
such fabrics. Such fabrics or a combination of them, allow for
localized, resilient deformation of the fabric in response to
localized body features and body movement while at the same time
maintaining uniform inward pressing support for the breast tissue.
Some of these fabrics are not currently used in bras for support,
stability or weight induced motion management. By manufacturing the
material to control, for example, foam cell size (when foam
material is used), elastic stiffness, contouring and thickness, a
combination of structural support, stiffness, and elasticity may be
obtained that provides for comfort, support and reduced motion
induced trauma. Additionally, when a closed cell waterproof foam is
used for the first material layer, perforations may added to enable
body moisture to escape from the skin to the layer outer surface,
and also providing air breathability to the skin.
An example of closed cell foam material is neoprene. Closed cell
neoprene fabric is waterproof and has found application in aquatic
body wetsuits. Similar to the wetsuit, the disclosed stabilizing
bra provides consistent contouring compression. When properly
fitted initially, the neoprene foam fabric of the stabilizing bra
conforms to the individual's shape, resulting in a customized fit.
Because neoprene foam is a closed cell, fast recovery foam, it has
a long lifetime against break down or loss of elasticity from wear
and pressure.
In an embodiment, one or more neoprene foam panels contour wrap
around the upper torso and over the shoulder of the user, then
connect in one centralized area, for example, at the front, back,
or sides but preferably in the back. This not only results in a
stabilizing hugging structure of the breast area, but eliminates
disproportionate pressure on the shoulders, back, shoulder blades,
and area under the bust. Otherwise, poorly or unsupported breast
tissue (especially in large breasts) is often found to be the cause
of back and shoulder strain, which can be aggravated by physical
activity. By distributing the forces generated by breast motion
during physical activity over the upper torso area, breast motion
is better synchronized with torso motion, and the stress per unit
of torso body surface area is reduced. Of course, the separate
panels may be the same fabric or foam panels or each panel may by
designed with different resiliently deformable characteristic
around the torso region.
A closure system for closing the bra includes a vertical zipper and
slide in the back region. In an open position, donning the bra is
made easier. The zipper preferentially closes from top to bottom,
thereby completing the downward compression and stabilization of
the breasts with respect to the torso upon closure. The closure
system may be placed at other locations, such as the front or
sides, for example but a back location is preferable. An extension
affixed to the zipper slide enables convenient reach to open and
close the zipper for ease of donning and removal of the bra.
The bra includes a lowered hammock in the front portion to utilize
more torso "real estate" to stabilize the breast area. The fabric
area both below and above the breasts are extended over the torso
surface to provide for compression stabilization of the breast mass
center of gravity both closer to the torso and, optionally,
compression of the breast mass lower on the torso. The compression
acts to stabilize against motion relative to the torso by
distribution of compression support over a large body area. In an
embodiment, compression downward in the lowered hammock lowers the
overall center of gravity of upper body mass distribution. This
overall compression toward the torso, and larger torso contact area
(both back and front), reduces a disproportionate amount of
pressure and stress to the shoulders, back and upper chest that
would otherwise occur with a briefer bra covering less torso
area.
A size determining measurement includes taking a bustline
measurement so that the circumference of the bra is substantially
the same as the circumference of the user as measured around the
user's bustline with the breasts circumferentially compressed to a
user selected compression.
The bra disclosed may be customized and tailored, for example, by
contouring the cut of the closed cell foam material at the sides,
rear or shoulders by darting and selective cut-outs that are sewn
together. The fabric, whether neoprene foam or other locally and
resiliently deformable, may also be formed in a shaped sheet to
achieve contour. For example, such customization is particularly
useful to address the needs of women with a range of breast and
torso sizes, and more particularly with large breasts and small
frame torsos. Also, the bra may be formed in sections with each
section designed of a different material with different resilient
or support characteristics.
Accordingly, the invention provides a support bra which is adapted
to stabilize breast motion relative to the torso by compression
applied around the entire torso during movement.
The invention also provides a support bra which is adapted to
stabilize breast motion relative to the torso by inward and
downward compression during physical activity.
The invention also provides a bra which does not require any rigid
or semi-rigid breast supporting structures, such as, for example,
underwires.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure,
reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of a support bra in
accordance with the disclosure;
FIG. 2 shows a rear perspective view of the support bra of FIG.
1;
FIG. 3 shows a front perspective view of a support bra fabricated
from several panels in accordance with the disclosure;
FIG. 4 shows a rear perspective view of the support bra of FIG.
3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In an embodiment as shown in a front perspective view in FIG. 1 and
in a back perspective view in FIG. 2, a bra 100 worn by a user may
include a single piece of fabric cut to provide a front 105, sides
110, shoulder straps 120 and a back 125. A cut-out top hole 130 in
the cut fabric provides for placement of the finished bra over the
head and over the shoulders of the user, and cut-out arm holes 135
on both sides 110 for insertion of the arms therethrough, where
portions of the fabric between the top hole 130 and each of the arm
holes 135 form the shoulder straps 120 that overlay the user's
shoulders.
The bra 100 may be donned by pulling over the user's head through
the top hole 130 and inserting the user's arms through the arm
holes 135.
A closure system may be included in the bra 100. For example, the
back 125 may be closed by bringing together and securing edges of
two ends 140 of the back 125 extending from each side by a
securement device, such as, for example, a zipper 150 and slider
165, a plurality of hook/eyeloop pairs (not shown), Velcro.TM., or
the like. In an open position of the zipper 150, donning and
removing the bra is made easier. In an embodiment using a zipper
150 or zipper-like means of closure, an extension 160 (e.g.,
string, strap, or the like) may be added to the slider 165 to make
an opening and closing manipulation of the zipper 150 and slider
165 easier for the user. Closure of the zipper 150 may be achieved
by movement of the slider 165 from top to bottom or, alternatively,
from bottom to top. Preferably, closure by top to bottom motion of
the slider 165 enables a smooth compression of the breast downward
against the torso.
Alternatively, the securement device may be placed elsewhere, for
example, at one or more of the sides 110, the front 105, or the
like. Alternatively, the bra 100 may not have a securement device
(e.g., no zipper 150/slider 165), and is donned without additional
means for closure.
The back 125 may further be sewn to a back edge 155 of the fabric
defining the top of the zipper 150 and forming and surrounding the
top hole 130 to form a seam, thus completing a halter structure
that provides support and compressive stability both vertically by
elastic stress over the shoulders, and horizontally, by elastic
stress from the user's front, around the sides under the arms to
the user's back.
The front 105, sides 110 and back 125 of the bra 100 terminate in a
bottom edge 172 around the circumference of the bra 100. The bra
100 further included a band 170 attached to the bottom edge 172 so
that the band 170 extends around the user below the breast line in
contact with the user's torso. Thus, the bra makes use of an
additional portion of the torso to provide firmness of contact to
the body over a larger torso area via the extended band 170 in
order to compressively stabilize the breasts in relation to the
torso. The front 105 includes a hammock above the extended band 170
to provide space for compression of the breast in a downward
direction on the torso.
The fabric may comprise neoprene, or an equivalent fabric with
mechanical properties selected to have suitable elastic strength to
provide compressive support to breast tissue, at least partially or
substantially immobilizing the breasts relative to the torso during
physical movement. Thus, the breasts and torso are contained to
behave substantially as a single structure during physical motion
to reduce strain and possible trauma to breast tissue, including
breasts containing implants.
The neoprene (or equivalent locally and resiliently deformable
fabric) may be oversheathed, sewn, bonded or laminated on an inner
surface facing the user's body, exterior surface, or both, with a
"breathable" fabric to wick moisture (such as perspiration) during
physical activity. The breathable fabric may or may not be elastic,
and may or may not further contribute to compression stabilization
of the breasts. A function of the oversheath fabric includes
providing skin contact comfort and moisture breathability
(wicking). Exemplary inner and outer oversheath material may
include nylon, Lycra.RTM., Spandex.TM., cotton, blends of these
materials, or the like, which have suitable stretch and wicking
properties.
All cut edges and seams of the fabric of the bra 100 may be
finished for cosmetic appearance and to prevent unraveling and/or
fraying at the fabric edges and may be covered between the seams
and the user for comfort.
In an embodiment as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a bra 200, including
front panel 205, sides panels 210 extending around the torso to
form a back area 225 and shoulder straps 220 may be of separate
pieces that are sewn together, or otherwise joined. Each piece may
be the same type of fabric or each may be a different type of
fabric but each would have an elastic, locally resiliently
deformable character. For example, in one embodiment, the front 205
and shoulder straps 220 may be formed from a first piece of closed
cell foam fabric, where the top hole 230 is cut for placing the
user's head therethrough, and the sides 210, and back 225 may be
cut from another piece of closed cell foam fabric, to be joined at
the sides to the first piece, and at the back-side of the bra 200
with a zipper 250 and slider 265, a plurality of hook/eyeloop pairs
(not shown) or the like (as described above with reference to the
bra 100), joined to the back edge 255 of the portion of bra 200
completing the shoulder straps 220, thereby also forming the arm
holes 235 for placing the user's arm's therethrough. Other ways of
apportioning the fabric among a plurality of separate parts that
are then sewn or otherwise joined together are within the spirit of
the disclosure. Additionally, the breathable oversheath fabric may
be provided between the user and the plurality of parts of the
closed cell foam fabric pieces for comfort and or wicking
functionality.
Like the bra 100, the front 205, sides 210 and back 225 of the bra
200 are attached to an extended band 270 preferably sewn or
otherwise directly connected to the lower edge 272 of the sides
210, back 225 and front 205 below the breast line to contact a
portion of the torso. Also, an extension 260, or the like, may be
added to the slider 265 to make opening and closing manipulation of
the zipper 250 easier for the user. A flap of fabric on the inside
of the bra to cover the zipper may also be included so the surface
of the zipper is not in direct contact with the user, an
arrangement that could result in user discomfort.
Bras 100, 200 may be customized and tailored, for example, by
contouring the cut of the closed cell foam layer material at the
sides, rear or shoulders by darting 115 (as shown in FIG. 1) and/or
selective cut-outs 135 or 130. The darting may be effected on the
closed cell foam layer material only, and not the inner or outer
oversheath fabric.
It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited
to the embodiment described above, but encompasses any and all
embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been
described in detail, it should be understood that various changes,
substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the
appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is
not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the
process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means,
methods and steps described in the specification. As one of
ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the
embodiments of the present disclosure, processes, machines,
manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps,
presently existing or later to be developed that perform
substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same
result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be
utilized according to the present disclosure. For example,
materials with elastic and tensile properties superior to lycra may
be utilized. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to
include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture,
compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.
* * * * *